Despite often being a neglected space, the hallway is the first glimpse your guests get of your home – so it should set the tone and ambiance for the rest of the house. And one easy way of achieving this is by employing the right hallway lighting ideas.
But these hallway ideas are not just meant for your guests and for impressing them. They’re also there to make your arrival home all the more pleasant and to get you in the mood for a relaxing evening. Not to mention, that the right lighting can also make your narrow hallway look wider. Who’d say no to that?
Hallway lighting ideas
‘Hallways are the first impression when entering a home,’ says Julian Page, head of design at BHS Lighting. ‘They should not only be welcoming but should also be the starting point for conversation.’
And lovely, atmospheric lighting will surely get the talk going.
1. Layer your lighting
Layering various sources of light within a room is one of the biggest lighting trends of the moment that works for any space – hallways included.
‘For hallways, a mix of ambient and accent lighting works best,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore. ‘By layering these lighting types, the hallway becomes not only functional but also inviting and aesthetically pleasing. Keep the lighting evenly distributed to avoid dark shadows which can make the hallway feel disjointed and smaller than it is.’
Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder and lighting expert at Dowsing & Reynolds, adds, ‘Combining dimmable pendants or a statement chandelier with wall lights and table lamps will create an ambient space that’s adaptable, whether you’re hosting guests, doing a deep clean or just lounging around after work.’
2. Opt for soft, diffused lighting
The tone of your lighting is important to the ambiance of the room, in this case the hallway. And the experts advise to avoid cool white lighting at all costs.
‘The best light tone for a hallway is a warm white. This tone creates a welcoming, cosy atmosphere, which is ideal for transitional spaces like hallways. Warm lighting helps soften the space, making it feel more inviting and comfortable as you enter the home. It also complements most design styles and highlights features like artwork or architectural details in a flattering way,’ Julian at BHS says.
Mara Rypacek Miller, managing director and founder at Industville, further elaborates, ‘The temperature of a bulb refers to the colour temperature of the light – whether it has cooler or warmer tones. This is measured in Kelvins and is visualised on a scale. A warm white bulb (2,700-3,000K) is softer and produces an inviting light that makes the hallway feel cosy and welcoming.’
3. Go for decorative LED bulbs
It’s not all just about the light fixture you choose. Sometimes, the light bulb itself can be the star of the show if you go for an interesting design paired with a more minimalist light fitting.
‘The use of decorative LED bulbs will infuse the space with character. These bulbs come in various shapes and designs, from vintage Edison styles to modern, geometric forms. They not only provide illumination but also serve as unique art pieces that contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home,’ Mara at Industville says.
Tala is one of the ultimate go-tos for large, decorative light bulbs. So we had to include at least one on our list of favourites. So why not go straight to the bestseller? The big, Edison-style Gaia is it.
Irregular shapes are very popular due to their organic, nature-inspired look. Everybody's into biophilic design right now! And this Dunelm light bulb not only boasts the on-trend irregular finish but also a designer-like look.
Who needs fairy lights when you can have this instead? Creating a lovely warm glow, this bulb will make sure every day feels like a special occasion owing to its star-like filling.
4. Use a light dimmer for ambiance
Flexibility and versatility is always welcome, especially with lighting which helps to establish the mood and the atmosphere in a space. And installing a dimmer on your lights can really help with that.
‘Incorporating technical details like dimmers is an excellent strategy for creating different ambiences. This provides the flexibility to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day or the occasion. For instance, keep the lights bright and welcoming when greeting guests, then dial it down for a subtler, more relaxed atmosphere when the hallway is less in use,’ Mara at Industville says.
5. Add warmth with rattan
Rattan is a popular addition to interiors, offering an on-trend look without having to make a huge home update, or spend a lot of money. It also acts as a great light fixture, adding warmth to a room without overwhelming the space.
A large pendant fixture will make the natural material a focal point, while the weave of the shade still lets plenty of light through. Plus, you can tie the look together with other cane accessories, such as a cabinet to make the best of hallway storage ideas.
6. Stick to sconces
If you're dealing with a narrow hallway, or just want to add interest to your walls, then sconces could be the way to go. It's a clever way of adding dimension to an entryway that will also illuminate a console table.
'Wall sconces or floor lamps can add an aesthetic touch while also providing extra illumination. This also creates layers of light, adding depth to your space,' says Anne Puukko at Superdwell.
You can even match the metal of the sconce to other hardware in a hallway, such as a door knob for an entrance that looks well put-together.
7. Opt for a glass shade
If you want to know how to light a narrow hallway and make it look wider a glass lampshade will help to brighten a space. Not only is it a modern hallway idea that will make the entrance of your home look super stylish, but it will also elevate the height of a room.
Adding an extra design feature such as wall panelling will help to separate a wall into two halves, making the top half feel airy and spacious.
8. Hang a chandelier
'For an entrance that will leave a lasting impression, a chandelier showcases both luxury and ambience,' says Mary Buchanan, creative director of Laura Ashley Lighting and Mirrors.
Hanging a beautiful light fitting has the same effect as putting on some statement jewellery, elevating the whole look. Some high-street homeware stores have affordable options that bring a high-end feel for anyone decorating on a budget.
9. Illuminate with two pendant lights
'As the hallway is the entrance of your home, you want to make sure it's well-lit and creates an inviting atmosphere the minute anyone steps through the door,' advises Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys.
'A hanging pendant light – or two – provides the perfect amount of light for entering guests, brightening up the entrance with an aesthetic statement too.' Look for elegant recycled glass pendants like those above or opt for gorgeous ribbed glass for a hotel vibe.
10. Choose a mid-century design
The hallway is the perfect place to introduce colour and pattern but also to use statement lighting too. Opt for a standout design that draws the eye upwards, like this black ceiling light. Whether you are looking for keys, giving yourself one final check in the mirror, or perching on stool to put your shoes on, task lighting is ideal for a hall.
11. Take advantage of architectural details
Successful lighting is dependent on your hallway's proportions and scale. If you have ample space, be bold and go for a large-scale light, or a cluster of smaller fittings, to create a dramatic statement. Take advantage of high ceilings and experiment with lighting designs that have varied drops, as they will add interest at different levels, as well as bringing upstairs and downstairs together.
'Staircases link both rooms and people together,' says Mara at Industville, 'connecting downstairs and upstairs spaces meaning that effective industrial style lighting can transform the interior corridors of your home and bring the designs together.'
12. Catch the eye with something oversized
'As there is often little room for furniture, hallways can be rather drab. Interesting light fittings are a great way to add drama and interest and set the tone for the rest of your scheme,' says Peter Bowles from Davey Lighting.
'An oversized pendant will add a decorative flourish without compromising the space. If you have space for a small console table, a table lamp adds a note of warmth and welcome.'
13. Let natural light in
Knocking through part of the hallway wall will allow natural light from the front room to flood your entry. Obviously, you'll need to check with a professional before demolishing any walls, but this could be a good alternative option for lighting up your hallway (and enhancing the sense of space in your living room).
14. Add a quirky neon light
Create a talking point with neon lights by the doorway. Not only is it handy for when you're rummaging for your wallet and keys, but it'll also add lots of personality to the space. You could hang it over the doorway or at the opposite end of the hallway to create a soft glow.
15. Choose minimalist globe lights
Globe ceiling lights and pendant lights have been making a return recently, and they're a chic yet practical hallway lighting option if you're tight on space. They diffuse a bright but not harsh light and infuse a space with a minimalist, mid-century feel with their understated silhouette.
16. Use candle light
Create a soft glow and a welcoming scent with some candles arranged on a side table in the hallway. Combine the flickering light of a candle with a table lamp to invite guests in and position in front of a small mirror to reflect the light.
Make sure you always have a stockpile of scented candles at the ready by using home decor discount codes to find premium brands for less.
17. Curate a gallery feel
Follow this modern hallway design by using accent down lighting to illuminate a feature wall. Sleek matte black wall lights hang over the artwork that lines the walls of this stylish hallway. This accent lighting not only highlights the artwork to make it more of a decor feature, but it also adds a gentle glow along the wall that aids in illuminating the space.
The library-style wall lights are joined by a sphere globe pendant light which drops from the stairway above, to add another design element to enhance the hallway scheme.
18. Reflect light in a narrow hallway
In a narrow hallway, you need to create as much light and airiness as possible. An easy way, aside from painting walls in brilliant white to bounce light around, is to embrace glass light fittings to avoid overwhelming the decor.
A simple glass pendant creates an openness that doesn't make the already small space feel restricted or enclosed. Glass also helps the light to stretch further, which also helps to make any compact living space feel more generous.
19. Go for glam
You want to make a fabulous first impression on anyone visiting your house, so go for the design most reflective of your personality. A large blush pink tasselled ceiling chandelier will make your hallway a destination in and of itself.
This piece of interiors inspiration marries up really well with high ceilings so is ideal if you have a period home. In this stylish white hallway, the homeowners have gone a step further by painting the door in the same shade of pink to give the colour further visual impact.
20. Set the tone with cohesive colour
Use clever lighting in your home's entrance to dictate the hallway colour scheme as well as the colours used in adjoining rooms. In this brilliant white hallway, a vibrant yellow pendant shade adds a welcome burst of zing, which is echoed by the striking Orla Keily wallpaper featured in the living room leading on from the hall. Cohesive use of colour and pattern will set the tone for an uplifting decorating scheme, creating a sense of flow that draws people in.
21. Shine a spotlight over an entryway
For functionality, spotlights will always be a winning lighting solution. They provide directional overhead light to make the space below well-lit. In a hallway this is a valuable source of light because it means from the moment you step inside the house after dark you can see everything clearly.
Directional light immediately over a door threshold is always good for security, in the respect that the entrance is bright to see visitors on the doorstep, working in conjunction with any outdoor lighting ideas.
22. Make a statement with black
Use colour in a more subtle yet stylish way as an accent throughout the entranceway on all woodwork. Pick the colour up with a central pendant light to create a central point of focus. In this period property, the ceiling rose is accentuated beautifully by the contrast of the monochrome colour palette, where black is the dominant colour for highlighting decorative features.
A simple yet captivating black metal light with a bronze coating is more than enough to hold court in this stylish grey hallway. The metal finish echoes the subtle gleam of the satin woodwork to create a uniform look.
23. Illuminate the stairway
In this hallway the homeowners have embraced modern design with a contemporary oak staircase with built-in spotlight lighting. This design feature is ideal for a family home where the steps are easier to navigate, as the lights clearly show the tread and space between each step.
FAQs
What's the best lighting for a hallway?
'If you have a long hallway, place ceiling lights at either end. This will showcase the elongated space and naturally invite guests into the rest of the home,' advises Peter Legg, lead designer at där lighting. 'For an elegant, traditional entryway, consider using a hall lantern. Or, if you’re looking for a more modern twist, a single ceiling pendant.'
'Layer your lighting scheme to frame interest areas such as console tables or artwork. Should you be short on space, wall lights will help to draw the eye upwards, giving the impression of higher ceilings.'
'The hallway also serves a functional purpose, so don’t forget to introduce task lighting or brighter bulbs in areas where needed,' advises Peter. 'There’s nothing worse than having to tie your shoelaces in another room because you can’t see them properly in the hallway!'
How can hallway lighting be improved?
Ben Marshall, creative director of Hudson Valley Lighting Group says you can improve your hallway lighting by thinking about not only the ceiling but also the hallway walls.
'The two together create a dynamic play on light,' he says. Wall sconces highlighting artwork or a side table as well as a pendant light will give you options when it comes to brightness.
How do you light a small hallway?
Dusk Lighting recommends fitting a light that takes multiple bulbs in a small hallway, as this will fill out the space with warm light. 'If you have a low ceiling, choose a flush fitting, so you don't take away from the already limited space.'
Here's to a beautifully illuminated entryway!
